Module 2 - Soil Biology (1/2)
Webinar Details
When:
Jul 19, 2020 12:00 am US/Eastern
Length: 00:53 (hh:mm)
Advance Registration NOT required.
View now on-demand.
Presenter(s):
- Jennifer.Moore@usda.gov, USDA NRCS Regional Soil Health Specialist
Virtual Event Format:
Group Viewing Available:
Soils are more than just dirt—they are dynamic, living ecosystems teeming with life. In this engaging and informative module, we explore the biological complexity beneath the soil surface and its profound role in supporting plant growth, ecosystem resiliency, and sustainable agriculture.
This webinar dives into three key functional groups of soil organisms—ecosystem engineers, biochemical processors, and biological regulators—and the vital roles they play in nutrient cycling, soil structure formation, and population control. You'll learn to identify representative organisms in each group, understand the interconnected functions they perform, and recognize the conditions needed for a thriving soil ecosystem. With practical examples and field-ready communication strategies, this module equips participants to explain soil biology concepts to producers, land managers, and agricultural professionals.
Whether you're new to soil biology or looking to sharpen your applied understanding, this session offers valuable insights into the living, breathing foundation of all terrestrial life.
Key learning outcomes:
Understand the role of soil organisms in plant productivity and resilience
Identify major functional groups and representative organisms
Recognize biological “hot spots” and optimal habitat conditions
Translate scientific concepts into meaningful field communication
Beneath every step we take lies a bustling, complex ecosystem of organisms that support everything we grow. This webinar uncovers the hidden world of soil biology and the critical roles that soil organisms play in plant health, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem resilience. You'll learn about the three main functional groups of soil life—ecosystem engineers, chemical processors, and biological regulators—and how each contributes to soil structure, fertility, and stability. From earthworms and fungi to protozoa and nematodes, we’ll explore who’s underground, what they do, and why they matter for agriculture and land management. Designed for agricultural professionals, educators, and field staff, this session not only unpacks soil biology fundamentals but also offers practical tips for communicating these concepts clearly to producers and land managers. If you work in agriculture, conservation, or environmental education, this is your chance to connect soil science with on-the-ground impact
Loading